That's good that you found a method to help with breathing. I remember that breathing is so important. Deep breathing, I mean. During stressful times, I find that I "forget" to breathe. I will catch myself breathing shallowly.
When I was a child, I remember going to the doctor and them showing me how to use a paper bag because they said that I was hyperventilating. I think the anxiety was starting up at that time.
I remember to make the exhales longer when I want to have deeper breathing.
Deeper breathing is one step in order to help manage anxiety. You are on your way. Yes, if we can survive bouts of anxiety, then we can survive other things. It makes you appreciate the times when you feel better, for sure.